Page 3 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

They drove in tense silence, both hyper-aware of every passing car and every set of headlights in the rearview mirror. The lake house appeared like a sanctuary, its dark silhouette a promise of safety if only for a moment.

As soon as they were inside, Maya sprang into action. “Okay, time for Extreme Makeover: Fugitive Edition.”

Raelee couldn’t help but laugh, the sound tinged with hysteria. “God, you’re ridiculous. How are you making jokes at a time like this?”

“Someone’s gotta keep the mood light,” Maya retorted, pulling out a pair of scissors from her backpack. “Now, how attached are you to those luscious locks?”

Raelee took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Do it. Make me unrecognizable.”

Maya’s hands were gentle but efficient as she chopped off Raelee’s long blonde hair. Clumps of gold fell to the floor, each snip of the shears feeling like another tie to her old life being severed.

“Now for some color,” Maya said, holding up a dark brown bottle of hair dye. “I’m thinking mysterious brunette?”

As the coloring set, they went through the collection of fake documents Maya had procured. New driver’s license, passport, even a library card.

“EmilySmith?” Raelee raised an eyebrow.

Maya shrugged. “I figured going for the most common last name might throw people off even more.”

Once the dye was rinsed out and her hair styled into a short, edgy cut, Raelee barely recognized herself in the mirror. Gone was the polished, picture-perfect First Daughter. In her place stood a stranger – exactly what she needed.

“Damn, I’m good,” Maya whistled. “You look hot in a ‘don’t mess with me’ kind of way.”

Raelee laughed, but it quickly turned into a sob. The reality of what she was doing – leaving everything and everyone behind – suddenly hit her full force.

Maya was there in an instant, wrapping her arms around Raelee. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. You’ve got this. You’re the bravest person I know, Rae.”

Raelee clung to her friend, allowing herself this one moment of vulnerability. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, May.”

“Probably get caught in the first five minutes,” Maya joked, but her voice was thick with emotion.

They stayed like that for a moment before Raelee pulled back, wiping her eyes. “Okay, enough of the waterworks. We’ve got a getaway to finish planning.”

Maya led her to the storage shed out back where her cousin’s car sat, rarely used. “A sports car built for speed,” she explained. “He’s a big fan of yours so racing cars are his thing. I’ll tell him I’m borrowing it for a road trip. Which, technically, isn’t a lie.”

As they transferred Raelee’s belongings to the new car, Maya hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? I could be your sidekick. Every fugitive needs a good sidekick.”

Raelee smiled, touched by the offer. “I need you here, May. You’re my eyes and ears. Plus, someone needs to throw them off the scent if things go sideways.”

“Fine,” Maya sighed dramatically. “I’ll stay here and be boring while you go off on your grand adventure. Just promise me one thing?”

“Anything.”

“Have at least one wild fling with a mysterious stranger. Preferably tall, dark, and handsome. Or tall, alien, and handsome. I’m not picky.”

Raelee burst out laughing. “I’ll do my best to live up to your romance novel expectations.”

They stood there for a moment, both aware that this could be the last time they saw each other for a long while.

“I’m gonna miss you, you know?” Maya said softly. “Who else is going to appreciate my terrible puns?”

“I’m sure you’ll find some other poor soul to inflict them on,” Raelee replied, pulling her friend into a tight hug. “Thank you, May. For everything.”

“Just don’t forget about us little people when you’re off saving the world or falling in love with alien princes or whatever it is you end up doing,” Maya said, her voice muffled against Raelee’s shoulder.

They pulled apart, both wiping away tears even as they laughed.

“All right, Emily Smith,” Maya said, opening the car door with a flourish. “Your chariot awaits. Try not to break too many hearts out there.”

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